Cath Foy moved the ball expertly from left to right, dragging Stokesley wide and leaving them chasing shadows.

After 16 minutes Lancaster won a penalty corner and when Lucy Barker received the ball on the edge of the D, her disguised pass was expertly deflected home by Nichola Conway. Lancaster turned the screw and with only five minutes of the half remaining they doubled their lead when after great build up play, Conway turned provider for Julie Walker to hammer the ball home.

In the second half Lancaster lost a little of their momentum and Stokesley were on the front foot, winning some penalty corners, but Lancaster’s defensive unit stood firm to keep them out.

However, after 47 minutes Stokesley scored when they took a quick free hit and found a free player at the back post who slotted home.

Lancaster were made to work hard as Stokesley increased their pressure but Heather Shackleton and Cath Foy tackled well and Leighan Bleasdale made some fine saves to keep Lancaster’s lead intact.

Lancaster kept pressing with Beth Andrews, Ella Bookless and Angie Evans-Hill working hard to drive the team forward.

With only five minutes to go Lancaster scored their third when Thwaites created space on the edge of the D and her shot was turned past the keeper by Walker.

Lancaster kept it tight for the final few minutes and saw the game out for all three points.